Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Gulf; Muscle Fatigue

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the fatigue component in trunk musculature following a simulated 9 hole round of golf by analyzing the EMG output of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus and abdominal oblique muscles during the golf swing.

Four males, ages 22-26 performed 5 EMG monitored golf swings with a driver prior to and following a simulated 9 hole round of golf. The data was subjected to analysis by the Fast Fourier Transformation to determine median frequency.

The results show that a significant shift in median frequency occurred, signifying muscle fatigue, in 2 of the 4 subjects when all muscles were analyzed collectively. When individual muscles were analyzed, each muscle experienced a significant shift in median frequency except the left abdominal oblique. The swing times for each subject were also analyzed and compared. The 2 subjects who fatigued demonstrated faster swing times suggesting a possible relationship between speed of the golf swing with resulting increased muscle force output, and increased muscle fatigue. This study provides initial support to the theory of muscle fatigue as a possible contributor to faulty swing mechanics associated with golfing and low back pain. These initial results provide credibility for establishing training and conditioning programs targeting the muscles shown to fatigue. These programs can be developed to increase muscle endurance and decrease the likelihood of faulty swing mechanics and injury.

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